Author Archives: Miriam Sandiford

Room in Keynes College

Exam Accommodation (Canterbury campus)

Available: Saturday 3 May to Saturday 14 June 2025 

If you need a quiet, convenient place to stay during the exam period, we’re offering on-campus accommodation in Keynes College. These ensuite rooms are ideal for focused study and easy access to campus facilities. 

Cost and Booking 

  • £52.50 per night 
  • No maximum length of stay 
  • The last bookable night is Friday 13 June 2025 

Each room includes: 

  • Private ensuite bathroom 
  • £14 daily credit to spend at any University of Kent campus food outlets

To book online, use the promotional code: EXAMSTUDY25 

Stay over summer

If you are looking to stay on campus after exams (minimum stay of 21 consecutive nights), take a look our summer vacation accommodation.

Fresh fruit, veg, eggs and bread with Kent Food Hub logo

New Kent Food Hub collection point on campus

The University is excited to announce a new collaboration with Kent Food Hubs CIC, launching a student-run collection hub on campus.   

The launch of a collection point on campus will give students, staff, and local residents the opportunity to collect their orders of fresh, local produce without a delivery charge – making sustainable and affordable food more accessible than ever. The collection point – in the Mandela Building – will be open between 14:00-16:00 every Friday.

This initiative aligns with our Right to Food commitments to tackle food insecurity, champion healthy eating and support local produce. And staff and students can claim 10% off their first order by entering the code UKC1 at the checkout.

Professor Iain Wilkinson, Lead for the Right to Food said: ‘This partnership is a great way to demonstrate what the Right to Food is all about. We hope that by launching a collection point on campus we are giving our staff and students better access to healthy, sustainable and local food. We’re keen to ensure that this is all done in an affordable way – and feel that Kent Food Hubs can help deliver on this front too.’

As part of this partnership, Kent Food Hubs is introducing student-friendly bundles designed to provide essential, high-quality ingredients at an affordable price. These include:

  • The Weekly Essentials Bundle (£20): A carefully curated selection of staple foods, including fresh vegetables, eggs, milk, bread, pasta, and rice or noodles—perfect for student budgets and busy households.
  • The ‘Fakeaway’ Meal Deal: A cook-at-home recipe kit featuring locally sourced ingredients to create a delicious homemade alternative to popular takeaways.

Beckie Alves, MD at Kent Food Hubs CIC, said: ‘We’re incredibly excited about this partnership. By making local food more convenient and affordable, we’re not just promoting sustainability—we’re strengthening the connection between the university and the wider community, from our network of producers and farmers, to local residents.’

Students will play a key role in running the collection hub, gaining valuable experience in food distribution, sustainability, and community engagement. The hub will serve as a vital resource for everyone in the area, helping to foster a culture of local, ethical food consumption.

The new collection hub will officially launch on 16 May – you can place your order now at www.kentfoodhubs.co.uk

Bus diversion near Westgate Towers

Temporary Road Closure – St Peter’s Place, Canterbury 

Please note that St Peter’s Place, located near the Westgate Towers, will be closed from Tuesday, April 22, 2025, until February 13, 2026. 

This closure will affect Stagecoach bus services 400, 401, and Uni 1, which will be diverted starting Sunday, April 20.

The Uni1 and 400 service will be departing two minutes early from the Canterbury Bus Station and the 401 service will not be attending the Westgate Towers bus stop (outbound direction)

Students who rely on these services should check the Stagecoach Service Updates regularly for a temporary timetable with details on diversion routes and changes to departure times. 

Save Up to 40% on Bus Travel with the Stagecoach Student Bus Pass! 

Did you know that with the Stagecoach Student Bus Pass, you can save up to 40% on bus travel? The University of Kent’s UniRider 3 pass gives you unlimited travel on all Stagecoach buses across Kent and East Sussex until September 14, 2025. 

For more information and to answer any questions about student bus passes, be sure to visit the Stagecoach website. 

Stay informed and plan your journeys accordingly to avoid disruptions. Please visit the Transport Web page for helpful tips and benefits of journey planning.  

 

Students heading towards Templeman library including student in a wheelchair

Events roundup: 6-11 May

It’s the start of the Summer term! Best of luck to everyone taking exams over the next few weeks. Unsure what to expect? Watch our exams videos.

Tuesday 6 May: Spend time with animals and online Research Cafe

De-stress by spending some time with a cute dog in The Hub at Medway on Tuesday over lunch.

If you live in on-campus accommodation, you can join ResLife for a Goat Walking experience for £5 which includes your transport to the farm. You’ll walk through a beautiful wild valley taking in the views and wildflowers, with the goats to help keep you company.

PhD students are invited to join the online Research Café on Tuesday afternoon where you can share your research with peers and connect with others beyond your discipline.

Wednesday 7 May: Wilder Wellbeing and STEM placement bootcamp ‍

Every Wednesday between 7 May – 11 June, Kent Wildlife Trust are offering a free Wilder Wellbeing programme for students. These sessions will include gentle walks where you will learn relaxation techniques to experience the benefits of nature to improve and maintain your wellbeing.

If you are in your first year of a STEM subject and want to learn more about placements, you can join this placement bootcamp in Kennedy. Learn how to apply for placements, hear from past students and take part in a CV activity to get you application ready.

Thursday 8 May: Using AI in job applications and aromatherapy (Medway)

Unsure how to use AI in job applications? Join this online session to find out how generative AI can be used in job applications, as well as the dangers and what to avoid.

On Thursday you can give aromatherapy a go at The Hub, making up calming scents to help you relax during the Summer term.

Friday 9 May: Medway activities and awards, 3MT peer practice and games night

Friday is a busy day at Medway campus with the Spring into Summer day of activities including crazy golf and free candy floss, followed by the Medway Activities Awards at The Deep End, celebrating top-tier student members in societies and sports teams.

The 3MT (three-minute thesis) competition is coming up soon. This session on Friday is for anyone who wishes to practise their 3MT presentation and get feedback before the semi-final on 21 May.

On Friday evening head to DG-01 in Templeman Library for a Social and Games Night, where you can play board games and the Nintendo Switch. Open to all.

See more student events.

Reminders

  • There is a bus diversion near Westgate Towers. The Uni1 and 400 service will be departing two minutes early from the Canterbury Bus Station and the 401 service will not be attending the Westgate Towers bus stop (outbound direction).
  • Want to win £1,000? 10 Kent students will win £1,000 for simply registering with Santander’s Open Academy by 15 May.
  • Postgrad student? You only have until 9 May to give your feedback on the postgrad experience at Kent and be in with the chance of winning 1 of 4 £250 cash prizes.

Opportunities

  • Could a Year In be right for you? A Year In is a programme offered by Kent which allows you to take a year in another course. You can do this between stage 2 and stage 3 of your course or after you have completed stage 3. The programme you take will be added to your degree title which can really enhance your CV. Find out about Year In subjects and application deadlines.
  • Paid job opportunity: apply by 11 May to be a 2025-26 Student Content Creator.
  • Still sorting your housing plans for next year? There’s still time to secure a room on campus. It’s a great option if you haven’t arranged private housing or don’t have a group to live with, plus many of our accommodations come with an en-suite.
  • We’re excited to announce the official opening of our new Enhanced PC Suite(also known as Templeman PC Room 3), a newly developed, high-spec PC space designed for both teaching and recreational use, for example Esports and gaming.

See more student opportunities.

Students chatting and drinking tea in student kitchen

Still sorting your housing plans for next year?

If you haven’t found accommodation yet, there’s still time to secure a room on campus, but spots are filling quickly, so don’t wait!

We know this time of year can be a lot to manage, so let us take one thing off your plate. Living on campus means convenience, comfort, and support right where you need it.

It’s a great option if you haven’t arranged private housing or don’t have a group to live with, plus many of our accommodation come with their own en-suite! Not only that but you’ll join a welcoming student community, with everything you need just a short walk away — no long commutes, no stress.

Find out all about returning student accommodation.

Student Toyin smiling next to blossom tree

Kent Star: Empowering Educator

This month’s Kent Star is Toyin, who is the Founder and CEO of The Wonder Lab Project, providing inspiring STEM activities for children aged 5 – 10 at schools in Medway. These activities are centred around helping children to focus, enhancing creativity and developing critical thinking skills, all through a STEM lens. Hear from Empowering Educator Toyin:

“I’m Toyin Sanyaolu, The Founder and CEO of The Wonder Lab Project and The Wonder Lab Academy.  I’m a Business and Management student at the University of Kent, and a mum of two. Having struggled academically as a child, I am thrilled to be a KBS student, breaking down barriers and thriving despite being dyslexic. Being neurodivergent and a parent is challenging, but my passion for what I do gets me through.

What is The Wonder Lab Project and why is this important to you?

“I started The Wonder Lab Project as a university project during my foundation year. Discovering many problems in education, the cost of living, and the links between young people, either out on the streets causing havoc or being in the NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). I decided to do something to help the situation by creating The Wonder Lab Project, which provides STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) activities for children aged 5 – 10 at schools.

The activities we create are centred around helping children focus, enhance creativity, critical thinking and begin to gain essential skills such as engineering, coding, and other sciences, for future employment. Many future jobs will depend on science and technology, so the world needs innovators, skilled workers, problem solvers, and sustainability.

Student Toyin smiling

We educate our students to think about their communities and the impact they will have with what they do, which is why the organisation started as a Community Interest Company. Not only do we provide activities that give children the opportunity to gain these essential skills but we teach them in a way that any child can learn simply by ‘doing’ and having fun. It helps them manage their emotions when they start to get frustrated and learn to persevere. When they finally complete their tasks, you can see the great sense of achievement and joy on their faces. Their competitiveness comes to light, but they also want to help each other out. That’s what we encourage at The Wonder Lab Project. A different way of learning. We help them see the opportunities ahead by teaming up with manufacturing companies that come and show them the opportunities available.

We encourage our students to be creative and think outside of the box. Since its success from the pilot in September 2024, I have started The Wonder Lab Academy, at the request of many parents in Medway. We have also provided activities for SEND schools in Medway and have increasing requests for secondary schools and tech colleges. The Wonder Lab Academy is a limited company that provides a STEM club for children aged 5-10 every week in Medway. This allows more children in the area access to our activities.

The Wonder Lab Project means everything to me. As a parent, I would like to see my children thrive with their friends. I relate to many parents that worry about their children’s safety, opportunities and affording activities that not only help them thrive but keep them in safe environments and away from negative influences. I want to see a better tomorrow and be a part of what creates that better tomorrow.  I hope to be a positive role model to not just my children but every child. Even if they have a learning difference, I want to show them they can break their barriers too.”

Can you tell us about your ASPIRE Business Start-up Journey experience?

“I attended the ASPIRE workshops in hopes of gaining business support, and it didn’t disappoint. Through ASPIRE I was able to obtain a grant for my business, which has helped tremendously with purchasing equipment and has enabled me secure exhibition bookings.

The ASPIRE workshops were insightful and enjoyable. Artur was very supportive of my business start-up journey. The weekly pizzas after each workshop were great too, giving us all time to socialise and share our business ideas. It was brilliant being connected to successful entrepreneurs who mentored me, right up to the pitching finals. I’ve stayed connected with many of them. The entire process helped build my confidence to enter the pitching competition and pitch in the finals, coming in 2nd place. It helped me face my biggest fear, public speaking. And now, I feel ready to do more! I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to start a business.”

ASPIRE Business Start Up Journey Students, staff and guests

What advice would you give to other students?

“My advice to other students is don’t be afraid to follow your passion or share your ideas with those who can help you achieve them. Always know why you are doing what you are doing as it will get you through the difficult times and remind you of why you started it in the first place.  Be purposeful. If you have something great that is needed, don’t give up, but be open to changes. It’s important to be able to adapt.”

What are your plans for the next year? 

“My plans for next year are to grow the online presence of my business and provide activities in more schools and youth clubs across the county, extending into London. I would like to see a Wonder Lab Academy in every county and possibly host some larger Wonder Lab events.”

Do you know an inspirational student or student group? Let us know.

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

Students looking at computer

Update to email address for university communications 

From June 2025, some University communications sent by email, such as student updates and announcements, will use a new address format: @lists.kent.ac.uk. 

You don’t need to do anything—emails will still arrive as usual, and the display name (e.g., “University of Kent”) will stay the same. The transition starts in April, with the full change happening in June. 

This update helps:
Improve email security
Reduce spam and phishing risks
Make sure important emails reach your inbox reliably 

This won’t affect your personal @kent.ac.uk email.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please do submit a ticket (recommended) or email helpdesk@kent.ac.uk and we will get back to you.  

Sports massage

Easter sports massage offer

We have an egg-cellent offer on sports massages this Easter, with all 30-minute qualified massages available at the reduced price of just £25 per 30-minute session! From 16 April to 25 April 2025, experience the rejuvenating benefits of a professional sports massage designed to enhance your performance and soothe those tired muscles.

To book a massage and benefit from the offer, book through your online account or by calling 01227 823623.

You will need a minimum of Kent Sport Pay to Play membership (free, when you create an online booking account). Appointments must be attended between 16 April and 25 April 2025 to qualify for the reduced rate. Bookings are open now for appointments at the reduced rate.

If you have any questions about the Clinic or our services, please email sportsclinic@kent.ac.uk.

About the Kent Sports Clinic

We’re not just here for sports-related injuries. By combining Kent Sports physiotherapy and massage services with the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences Clinics, we have created one of the most extensive performance, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation services in Kent.

Qualified and student-led services include:

  • Performance – taking an athlete-centred approach to create a bespoke programme for individuals and teams
  • Physiotherapy – helping to manage injury or disability and get you back to full fitness and prevent recurrence
  • Sports rehabilitation – cutting recovery time and preventing further injury
  • Respiratory clinic – providing state-of-the-art testing and customised solutions for athletes with respiratory issues
  • Massage – promoting rehabilitation and relaxation

Massage, what’s the hype?

Here at Kent Sport, we treat people from all walks of life, occupations, ages, and across every scale of physical activity. Focusing on massage specifically, this is a therapy for everyone. No matter how active you are, massage will be of benefit to you, whether you need a massage to reduce your stress, tension or anxiety levels or work out those tight muscles and knots. The stimulation of massage will activate your parasympathetic nervous system which will in turn increase dopamine and serotonin levels which are directly linked to stress. Amazing or what!

Massage also improves circulation by dilating blood vessels making them work more efficiently and enhances blood flow, delivering fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. This encourages the removal of waste products and toxins, helping to relieve muscle tension, reduce soreness and aid faster recovery.

Our qualified staff will work with you on any areas of concern, whether that’s relieving muscle soreness, or aiding injury recovery.

How do I book?

You can choose between qualified and student-led appointments for many of our services. To find out more about our individual services, visit the Kent Sports Clinic webpage.

Qualified massages are bookable as 30-minute appointments as standard. Please contact sportsclinic@kent.ac.uk if you would like to book a 60-minute appointment.

If you’re an existing customer, you can book and pay for services through your online booking account. New customers will first need to create a free account with Kent Sport. This is quick, easy and free to do. See our guidance for more information.

And relax!

Once you’re booked, simply arrive at the clinic for your appointment and let our staff and students perform their magic, breathe and enjoy.

Student smiling

Jobs, careers and work experience: help with your next steps

Do you know the career you want to follow but need advice on how to get there? Or, are you unsure of what you want to do next? Either way, a meeting with one of our careers advisers can help you to take the next step. 

Meetings are relaxed and informal, designed to make open discussion easy. To get the most out of your session, it’s worth doing some initial research in advance, however, if you don’t know where to start with this, book a session anyway and we can help you begin. 

Our advisers are impartial and will help you to explore your options objectively; they’ll make sure you are aware of the pros and cons. Career choice is a process not an event, the professional advice we provide can help you focus your research in the right areas.  

What is a careers guidance appointment? 

It is a 45-minute space to talk about careers. This can be anything from; ‘what can I do with my degree?’ To ‘how do I become a..?’ or ‘how can I gain work experience or get a placement?’ or any other career related topic that is important to you. 

I am graduating soon, can I still get support? 

You can get support from the Careers and Employability Service at Kent for 3 years after you leave! This means we speak to people from all over the world which makes our jobs very interesting indeed! You just need to ensure you register as an alumni on the Career Hub using your personal email address once you’re nearing the end of your course.  

Can I use the Careers service in vacations? 

Yes we are open all year-round including vacations.  We are only closed when the University is closed on dates such as weekends and bank holidays. If it’s helpful to have an online appointment we can use Teams. 

How do I book? 

Visit the Careers and Employability Service web pages and click ‘book an appointment’ or find out more about the events and services we offer.  Looking forward to seeing you soon!